Seven killed as storm sweeps across Nepal

Kathmandu, May 3 (DPA) At least seven people were killed and dozens injured by a storm which struck many places in Nepal, officials said Sunday. In Rautahat district, about 120 km southeast of the capital Kathmandu, at least five people, including four children, were killed when they were crushed by a roof which collapsed after the storm hit the area, the police said.

“The five were crushed by a falling roof after their homes were damaged by the strong winds,” said Ghananand Bhatta, Superintendent of Police of Rautahat district. “More than 70 people were injured either by flying debris or were caught in collapsed houses.”

Police said nearly 400 houses in four villages were damaged by the storm which hit the district early Sunday morning.

Two more people died in Gorkha district, about 120 km west of Kathmandu, when they were struck by lightning. In the eastern district of Mohattari, seven students were injured in a wall collapse.

The country’s meterological department said the storm system had now moved away into northeastern India.

“The storm was produced by a major system which affected much of the country Saturday night and Sunday morning,” meteorologist K.B. Malla said. “It was accompanied by strong winds and heavy rains in some areas.”

Malla estimated that wind gusts of up to 60 km per hour accompanied the storm, but said a full report was only expected later Sunday.